My Tank Plans

[RyanG]

Well here are my plans

Im going to use a 180 wide AGA tank.

Aquatinics Constellation T5(14x54wt)

Octopus Model 200 Recirculating Needlewheel Skimmer

Live Rock and Sand from either Tampa Bay Saltwater or
Reef Systems Coral Farm in Ohio(I can drive there and pick out my own rock) depending on this summers gas prices.

I am going to start it as a fish and hardy invert tank and slowly convert it to a reef system. I think I may use my reef ready bulkheads to run a closed loop system for flow and use an over the back system to feed my sump/fuge. That will be a baffled 3 compartment 40 gallon that I have laying around(I would like to go bigger but why buy another tank when I have the 40). I am going to use a little Macro in the display tank for a natural look but most of that will be in the fuge, with a reverse lighting schedule, for water quality and stability. Im using the closed loop system because I think that powerheads are unsightly to say the least. Also I am going to try and stock the tank with 100% tank grown inhabitants as its the ethical thing to do. I am welcome to comments and suggestions. What do you think!?

PS I am a horrid speller!

Thanks

Ryan

I tried to list links to all the equiptment listed but was unable to a google search will bring them all right up.

 

[jejton]

Sounds like a plan. Some might advise you to get some holes drilled instead of using an overflow box as they are prone to disasters if not maintained properly, and even then there is a risk. Where is Cuba, NY?

 

[NYreefNoob]

why would you drive clear to ohio to buy rock ? i am from there columbus is a 12hr drive each way. plus it is a boring drive and with what gas cost it would raise the price of rock pper pound, why not buy it from a member or vendor here ?

 

[vinny]

maybe if hes getting 200 lbs for free lol

 

[RyanG]

Well this was as "local" of a reef club forum that I could find. I live about 80 miles due south of buffalo. I can be in the City in 4.5 hours or columbus,oh in 4.5 hours.

 

[NYreefNoob]

id re-map quest that. from the penn state line on i70 it's 2.5 hr's. check craigslist also, there is a pennsivania forum also or a jersey one as well

 

[jejton]

I think I saw a western new york reef club, maybe it was on reefcentral.

 

[RyanG]

Jees guys am I not welcome here? J/K Ill check into that jejton, thanks.

 

[NYreefNoob]

no you are more than welcome here. thats not what i was getting at. to drive that far for rock makes no sense to me. also look into marco rock. great price and nice piece's. there is a thread on here somewhere about it. i also agree on not using a overflow box. use the factory drain for it

 

[latino277]

Hey Ryan,

Sounds like a plan you got there. I would use the internal over flow for the sump. it's more secure that way. You can then have the back wall drilled for a closed loop. Most places charge about $25 a hole. I agree... PH don't look right in a tank.

 

[RyanG]

Thanks latino, I was given the over the back suggestion by another reefer but I was hoping to get them drilled or do it myself.

 

[RyanG]

Hey guys just wanted to let everyone know that my tank search is over. I bought loismustdie's custom 180. Thanks to Chris. Thank you Fred for sending the link my way.

 

[autoponicz]

sounds great......looking forward to the tank thread....
i dont know how far you are from philly....but i know a place that sell thier LR for 2.99/self picked....

but for a 180...it would be more cost effective to buy mostly base rock and the rest LR to seed it.

and before you go with the octopus skimmer....goto marinesolutionsinc.com and check out thier MSX 200..
these have sicce pumps and the whole skimmer is based on the BM style.

 

[RyanG]

Yeah I think Im going to do 2/3 dry base rock and 1/3 live rock. I havent decided on any equiptment yet just window shopping until my funds recover.